Western Australia has reinforced its leadership in RNA technology with the recent launch of the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer (ACRTC).

Supported by over $6 million in funding from Therapeutic Innovation Australia (TIA), the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, and the University of Western Australia (UWA), the initiative marks a significant step forward in cancer research, with the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD) playing a central role.

Led by UWA’s Professor Archa Fox, the ACRTC is Australia’s first centre dedicated to developing RNA technology for new cancer treatments. Building on the success of RNA technology in COVID-19 vaccines, the centre aims to accelerate research towards developing tailored therapies for cancer patients. On-site RNA production in Perth will allow for rapid testing and refinement of potential treatments, particularly for hard-to-treat cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

NCARD’s research into lung cancer has been selected as one of the facility’s flagship projects. The project will investigate the potential of personalised mRNA lung cancer vaccines, building on NCARD’s existing peptide-based neoantigen vaccine program. Initially focusing on preclinical studies to assess the safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity, the research aims to inform the development of future mRNA lung and mesothelioma clinical trials, showcasing NCARD’s commitment to translating research into clinical applications. Researchers anticipate that mRNA-based technologies could make cancer vaccines more affordable, effective, and scalable.

Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson emphasised the significance of this investment, noting:

“This is another groundbreaking medical treatment process to be based in Western Australia. Our Government’s FHRI Fund is proud to partner with TIA and UWA to help develop new RNA therapies and improve outcomes and quality of life for those afflicted by cancer.”

Stephen Dawson, Medical Research Minister

With NCARD leading a key project at the ACRTC, our expertise in lung cancer and mesothelioma research will drive innovation in RNA therapeutics. This work promises to enhance the effectiveness of personalised cancer treatments and further establish Western Australia as a leader in medical research and innovation.